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While the long-delayed publication was welcomed, questions were also raised about when promises in the document will be fulfilled. An estimated one in seven girls and women in Ireland have this debilitating life-long condition, in line with global data. Endo Ireland, the national charity formerly known as the Endometriosis Association of Ireland, cautioned there is “so much more to do”. Its chairperson, Damien Donoghue, said it is positive that endometriosis is now recognised as a condition affecting women over the long term. “It is a step in the right direction,” he said, but he urged for timelines and deliverable targets to be set out. The plans include an interim scheme funding women to travel abroad to named clinics in Britain and six European countries. However, women have already contacted the charity asking why certain well-known international clinics were not used, he cautioned. More information is also needed about how aftercare will be provided, as he said fear of gaps in care could become a barrier to travelling. Awareness campaign A key part of the plans is an awareness campaign for both the public and healthcare workers. Mr Donoghue called for better access to services to match this, saying increased awareness can only go so far on its own. The charity is taking part in the Dublin Marathon this month. The Department of Health said funding for endometriosis this year includes hiring the equivalent of 18.6 additional health workers. Some 25% are in place. Recruitment Recruitment continues for consultants, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, dietitians, healthcare assistants, and administrative staff. This year’s budget of over €2m was boosted with over €500,000 given across the HSE regions to cover an additional 100 surgeries by December. Further details on 2026 funding will be available in the HSE service plan, a department spokeswoman said on Tuesday. Applications can already be made to the treatment abroad scheme. “The related expenditure will depend on the number of patients availing of the HSE scheme,” she said. • Details are available here on the HSE website.
